Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have intensified their crackdown on illegal oil bunkering and refining activities in the Niger Delta, leading to significant arrests and seizures. Over a seven-day operation, the troops apprehended 28 suspects, dismantled 46 illegal refineries, and confiscated 95,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, among other items.

The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lt Col Danjuma Jonah, disclosed these achievements in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

Widespread Operations Across Three States

The coordinated operations, carried out between November 11 and November 17, 2024, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states. The troops, supported by other security agencies, also:

• Destroyed 47 boats used for transporting stolen crude.
• Seized 472 sacks of crude oil amounting to 28,320 litres.
• Recovered arms and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle and 17 rounds of ammunition.

In Rivers State, intelligence-led action resulted in a confrontation with armed vandals along the Oando pipeline in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The vandals fled after a gunfight, leaving behind weapons and ammunition.

Massive Seizures and Arrests in Rivers State

Operations in Rivers State led to:

• The dismantling of numerous illegal refining sites in Buguma and Degema LGAs.
• Confiscation of over 12,000 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from multiple locations, including Bille and Obiafu Oilfield.
• The destruction of 16 wooden and fibre boats and recovery of 15 illegal refining sites.

Expanded Efforts in Bayelsa and Delta States

In Bayelsa State:

• Troops deactivated two illegal refining sites in Ekeremor LGA.
• Over 6,000 litres of stolen products were recovered in the Tunu and Clough Creeks areas.
• Multiple wooden boats with stolen petroleum products were intercepted in Nembe and Ogbia LGAs.

In Delta State:

• Troops intercepted a Sienna bus loaded with 28 cellophane bags of stolen AGO/condensate at Oyede community in Isoko South LGA.
• Operations along Heritage Oil Company pipelines in Ughelli North LGA uncovered pipeline breaches attributed to community vandals.

Arrests in Akwa Ibom State

In Akwa Ibom State, troops arrested five suspects and recovered 2,160 litres of stolen AGO in Ikot Abasi LGA. Several vehicles used in illegal oil transportation were also seized.

Troops Committed to Safeguarding National Assets

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj Gen Jamal Abdussalam, reaffirmed the division’s commitment to eradicating oil theft and protecting critical national infrastructure in the region. He emphasized that these efforts are crucial to ensuring an increase in oil production and curbing economic sabotage.

Prosecution and Handling of Confiscated Materials

The seized products and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

This large-scale operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to tackling illegal oil activities, preserving national resources, and enhancing economic stability in the region.